Certificate in GIScience Fundamentals

The tremendous growth in the use of GISystems in governments, non-government agencies and private industry suggests there is a need to provide background in this science to an ever-widening group of users. The Certificate in Geographic Information Science Fundamentals was developed to provide an ancillary set of skills for upper division students and returning professionals who need practical knowledge of GIS to enhance their primary areas of study/work. Some of the academic majors at SU that might gain valuable skill enhancement from the certificate program include anthropology, biology (ecology and environmental health science), computer science, economics, environmental issues, geography (environmental/land use planning), information systems, management, marketing, and political science. Many professionals in the community already take GIS courses at SU as non-degree seeking students. These professionals should be recognized by gaining certification for their efforts, facilitating the advancement of their education opportunities and career objectives.

While the Department of Geography and Geosciences provides a GIScience track in the major as well as minor in GIScience, the certificate will enable students to gain valuable hands-on skills as opposed to a full grounding in the theory and principles. Most GIS users only require a working knowledge of the science to further their aims in their primary area of interest and employment.

In addition to our comprehensive academic program, we have a truly exceptional GIScience learning environment where you will find experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities (hardware, software, networks, and data) in the Henson Science Hall on the SU campus.

What is the Program of Study?

The Certificate in Geographic Information Science Fundamentals requires the completion of at least 16 credit hours of which at least seven hours are earned at Salisbury University. All courses applicable to the certification must be completed with a “C” or better.

The concise nature of the program is designed to meet the needs of GIS users as well as already overburdened students and professionals who need these skills. Those that successfully complete the program of study will receive a physical certificate and it will be listed on their official transcript.